How To Choose Fresh Flowers

September 17, 2008

Look for flowers that are not yet fully developed. Most cut flowers, with the exception of some tropical flowers and fresh orchids, will continue to open after they’ve been put into the vase. A flower bud should be just slightly open–this is a general rule of thumb. There are some new rose varieties that have that full-blown look right from the beginning and stay like that for over a week, but these are an exception. If you’re not sure if a rose is fresh, lightly squeeze the rose with your finger tips and see if there is some substance there. If it feels full, and not to soft, it should last for over a week.

Blooms should be firm and blemish free (unlike the “bruised pedals” below!)

Foliage should be crisp and green, not yellowing or becoming mushy (shown below)

Check the bottom of the stem. If the bottom of the stem is discolored, it usually is an indication that the flower is old or has been out of water for too long.

Julie started her career in the floral industry over 30 years ago in a small, family-owned flower shop. From floral designer to author and lifestyle expert, her insight has been instrumental in developing the 1-800-Flowers.com brand. Representing the company’s floral lifestyle vision, Julie has shared her talent and passion in numerous television appearances and national magazine features. She is an active fundraiser and longtime friend of IGHL, a group dedicated to facilitating a more independent life for developmentally challenged adults.